The dreaded 103 noisy engine
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
Our new 103 had quite a lot of upper noise as we took it out for a long ride(2800miles), as soon as the 1K service was done it quieted down some, still a bit noisier than our old 88 but not as bad as have heard of here. We have a FLTRU, 2012, it has full lowers and stock exhaust including the CAT so I hear the engine more than the old RK FLHR, 2003 even as it had lowers but Monster Ovals and aftermarket exhaust with NO cat.
Have been around quite a few rides 2008 and newer, most had some engine noise and as noisy as our 103.
Have been around quite a few rides 2008 and newer, most had some engine noise and as noisy as our 103.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: zoo jersey
I add 2oz marvel mystery oil to a full tank, lubes the top end, cleans as it lubes.
Trick i learned from a bike racer as race fuel has no lube in it and is highly corrosive.
Use in all my bikes and my truck,seems to quiet things down a little.
Trick i learned from a bike racer as race fuel has no lube in it and is highly corrosive.
Use in all my bikes and my truck,seems to quiet things down a little.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
Clowns
And one hell of an expensive circus, with a labor rate @ $90.00 an hour!
Last edited by mgmmgm; Sep 28, 2012 at 04:13 PM. Reason: Spelling and CRS
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 34
From: Bluegrass State
Lol that's funny. It's a shame we customers can't depend on our own dealer!
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 3
From: kansas city
My dealer changed my ECM because of the pinging on my 12 RK. They have changed a few others as well. The map is definitely different it seems to have boosted the tach limiter. It definitely got rid of the noise.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,542
Likes: 2
From: Cocoa Beach, Florida
Sounds like they did a "Stage 1" flash. From what I've heard, that includes +10% fuel to the AFR and extends rev-limiter to 6500 RPM. The fuel increase helps with ping but, for a stock engine with stock cams, the rev extension is probably worthless. I suspect you're better off shifting at a max of 5500 anyway since 6500 is pretty far beyond the sweet part of the stock torque/power curve (and not really suitable with the stock 103).
Last edited by RangeRat; Sep 29, 2012 at 05:38 AM.
Marvel mystery oil added to oil will dissolve sludge slowly so I'm not sure why it's mentioned here unless the person is suggesting adding it to the fuel which isn't a good idea since it contains phosphorus which is the whole reason the API told oil companies to change their formulations because phosphorus poisons catalytic converters.
I do however use a home brew fuel intector cleaner/upper cylinder lube/octane enhancer/mileage improver that contains the tc-w3 2 stroke oil. Tc-w3 2 stroke oil burn cleany with no ash so when used in moderation doesn't foul plugs nor interferes with o2 function. And since ethanol fuel pumps do benefit from the light oil going through it. It also contains detergents which keep the fuel system clean.
There is a huge write up on it's use in a chevy forum,ls-1 owners forum or something.
1 ounce per 5 gallons seems to be the general consensus to achieve a positive result.
My home brew has worked for me in every machine I own. From generators to compressors to vehicles and bikes. Never a single fuel issue and everything gets better than advertised fuel consumption.
K. OP. As far as the noisy engine goes try using an automotive oil if you aren't already and get a straight grade,as thick as possible from either royal purple,red-line,motul or even the straight 60 from Amsoil.
Perhaps a conventional will also lessen the sound. Thicker will insulate the insides better and lessen the noise.
Or run a thin convetional and blow it up so harley has to fix it before warantee expires.
I do however use a home brew fuel intector cleaner/upper cylinder lube/octane enhancer/mileage improver that contains the tc-w3 2 stroke oil. Tc-w3 2 stroke oil burn cleany with no ash so when used in moderation doesn't foul plugs nor interferes with o2 function. And since ethanol fuel pumps do benefit from the light oil going through it. It also contains detergents which keep the fuel system clean.
There is a huge write up on it's use in a chevy forum,ls-1 owners forum or something.
1 ounce per 5 gallons seems to be the general consensus to achieve a positive result.
My home brew has worked for me in every machine I own. From generators to compressors to vehicles and bikes. Never a single fuel issue and everything gets better than advertised fuel consumption.
K. OP. As far as the noisy engine goes try using an automotive oil if you aren't already and get a straight grade,as thick as possible from either royal purple,red-line,motul or even the straight 60 from Amsoil.
Perhaps a conventional will also lessen the sound. Thicker will insulate the insides better and lessen the noise.
Or run a thin convetional and blow it up so harley has to fix it before warantee expires.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
My flhr makeno more noise than my 01' wideglide, and every one knows that was the best motor built. Natirally when I went to 95" and gear drive cams there was no valve noise.
I had pinging when I first got it in june, mainly in the high gear near lugging condition. That pinging went by the wayside with pipes, a/c and download. Will be getting a tuner this winter. Most likely coulda been cured by download and no lug condition
I dont see how or why this motor would be different than any twin cam otherthan bore and stroke. Other than the obviouse crank changes which is industry wide. I/e a 99' ford 7.3l psd had forged rods, my 01 has powder machine rods (pmr) and after 500 hp theae rods will let go.
Some issues with the moco are legit, but the internet plus the fact that most riders now have no mechanical inteligence, not trying to hurt anyones feelings but sorry not everyone is mechanic thus do not understand.
I had pinging when I first got it in june, mainly in the high gear near lugging condition. That pinging went by the wayside with pipes, a/c and download. Will be getting a tuner this winter. Most likely coulda been cured by download and no lug condition
I dont see how or why this motor would be different than any twin cam otherthan bore and stroke. Other than the obviouse crank changes which is industry wide. I/e a 99' ford 7.3l psd had forged rods, my 01 has powder machine rods (pmr) and after 500 hp theae rods will let go.
Some issues with the moco are legit, but the internet plus the fact that most riders now have no mechanical inteligence, not trying to hurt anyones feelings but sorry not everyone is mechanic thus do not understand.
I've got a 2010 FLHTK and I have never had an issue, granted I have had some major work done to it, but the bike runs great!